Rapport
noun /ræˈpɔː/ — The warm sense of connection that makes conversations feel easy.
Definition
A close, harmonious relationship in which there is mutual understanding and trust between people.
Beyond the definition
Rapport is the thing you notice by its absence — when a conversation feels stiff or awkward, rapport isn't there. When it's there, everything flows. Building rapport quickly is one of the most powerful social skills, and the foundation of any good working relationship.
Origin & history
From French rapporter — to bring back (re- 'back' + apporter 'to bring'). The bringing of understanding back and forth between people.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
She built rapport with the client immediately — within ten minutes they were talking like old colleagues.
Good teachers establish rapport first, then teach.
He had natural rapport with people — they trusted him instinctively.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Rapport” when the meaning fits your context: A close, harmonious relationship in which there is mutual understanding and trust between people.
Synonyms
connection, chemistry, bond, understanding, affinity
Antonyms
awkwardness, distance, friction
Related words
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Genuine Connection in Café
Two friends chat in a busy café, using relaxed hand gestures and genuine expressions of trust, comfort, and mutual understanding.
The close, easy posture of the two friends chatting shows rapport. The scene captures a harmonious relationship where their mutual understanding and trust are visible, emphasizing the genuine human connection and shared comfort they have in their local, intimate setting.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Rapport" mean?
Rapport is noun meaning: The warm sense of connection that makes conversations feel easy.. A close, harmonious relationship in which there is mutual understanding and trust between people.
Where does the word "Rapport" come from?
From French rapporter — to bring back (re- 'back' + apporter 'to bring'). The bringing of understanding back and forth between people.